August 29, 2020 – Renowned British newspaper compares destinations across Europe and claims, though hit economically, Dubrovnik residents can finally enjoy summer again.

Popular British newspaper The Guardian have today published a feature comparing popular European tourist destinations in the year of Coronavirus. Comparing Magaluf, on the Spanish holiday island of Mallorca, Barcelona on the Spanish mainland and Dubrovnik in Croatia, they tell a story of once packed destinations whose streets this summer are comparatively barren.

The positive side of the story is that this breath of fresh air, though damaging economically, has allowed local residents to rediscover their cities.

“At the moment it’s wonderful,” Dubrovnik tour guide Vesna Celebic is reported to have told the Guardian journalist. “The old town is definitely the place that the locals reclaimed. Now you see a lot of kids riding bikes and playing soccer in some of the public squares, you hear the locals again. You hear the local language.”

However, Celebic's words are not wholly optimistic. In the article, she acknowledges that economic difficulties are looming.

“While I think this is a disaster and economically it’s scary, I think it’s also a moment to pause and reflect,” she said to the newspaper in conclusion. "Tourism should be a pleasure, not only for those coming in but also for those staying in and residing in [the city]."

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

March 19, 2020 - The first case of coronavirus in Dubrovnik has been confirmed, with the symptoms reportedly mild. 

It is 23 days since the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Croatia, and now coronavirus in Dubrovnik has been confirmed, with one case reported after analysis of tests sent to Zagreb. 

Of the 15 tests sent for analysis, one has tested positive for the virus. 

There will be more details on the situation with coronavirus in Dubrovnik at a press conference at 11:00

Dalmatia and neighbouring Montenegro were coronavirus-free until 2 days ago. The numbers still remain small in Croatia overall (99 cases, 1 death and 5 recoveries), with one case in Dubrovnik, 2 in Split, 1 in Zadar, and 8 in Montenegro. 

We will have a full update on the situation in our daily updates - follow the latest on our dedicated COVID-19 section. 

The Croatian Government has an official website with the latest information on the crisis (Croatian only).